You could rest easy and just think of Belize as paradise. But, that's way too laconic for this 8,803-square-mile swatch of Central American biodiversity. Sure, the country's entire eastern flank is basically one long Caribbean playground, but don't be fooled into believing this place is Club Med with a parliament. Independent since 1981, the country belies the adage that big is beautiful: compact, manageable, and welcoming, tailor your itinerary to one activity, many—or none.

Belize: the bite-sized slice of paradise
Photo courtesy Belize Tourism Board

The country's small size means it's quite possible to hopscotch from subtropical jungle to teeming reefs—the world's second largest included—to cool montane ecosystems, all in the space of several days: Go back in time to discover ancient Mayan worlds, drift through effusively colorful undersea Gardens of Eden, experience the future of conservation as you follow the nighttime tracks of a hidden jaguar, or just take the bait and swing in a hammock on some Crusoe-esque atoll.

Here, then, are ten adventurous options to give you a camera-tempting, mask-misting taste of the best of Belize.